Summary

The novel switches to a third person narration from Eleanor’s point of view to describe her history with Ivy. It begins in 2003 with a description of Barnaby “Bucky” Fanning, an heir to two distinguished New Orleans families. Bucky has a bizarre set of habits, including refusing the first table at a restaurant and wearing only Prada. His main occupation is writing a history of one side of his family and attending the Court of Khaos, an elite social club that throws frequent parties throughout the season of August to February. Bucky is especially enthralled with Mardi Gras and its associated debutante balls.

Eleanor and the other Looper Wash employees love to hear stories of Bucky, courtesy of his Vanderbilt friend and current Looper Wash employee Lester. When Lester tells Bucky that Eleanor, a direct descendant of President John Tyler, will be hosting...